All the characters depicted herein are only fictional and are created solely for people who enjoy playing and reading fictional stories of the game: Final Fantasy VIII

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Fairy Love

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Faeri Artwright stirred a little at the bedside. Her soft violet eyes slowly come into focus as her eyelids fluttered open at the sound of footsteps from the staircase. Then she heard the front door open and closed and left a trail of silence except the sound of Ma' Dincht's doing her chores in the kitchen. She stayed where she was for a while more. She didn't feel like getting up at all while being this close with the man that she had become fond of. Although both of them never really exchanged anything such as a proclamation of love, but Faeri always thought that Zell cared for her more than he could show. She'd heard that Commander Squall Leonhart was a cold person at first and he'd never admitted his feelings to anyone. But all of that changed when she and her friends saw the Commander at the balcony where he and the new girl Rinoa Heartilly was very much in love with each other. The corners of her mouth twitched a little to form a small smile. But Zell was never cold to her, she remembered that day when she worked up her courage to come up and ask Zell about his feelings about her.

Faeri was quite nervous whenever she's alone and going to meet Zell. Be it when she visits him in the cafeteria, or him to the library where she was busy on duty as the Head Librarian since the last one have left the Garden to pursue a different career or so she heard. Anyway, it was Zell's free yet strong ideals that had appealed to her most.  Many of her friends found that sometimes Zell is somewhat too lively that he can't possibly be found falling in love with someone especially if that someone happens to be herself. In many ways, Faeri has always been an active sort of person but a shy, quiet little girl who was always been an unassuming person, it is because whenever she is presented with a chance or opportunity, she would just back down from it and leave it for someone else to pick it up. But Zell's lively personality has certainly changed much of her views of things. For instance, now she felt that life would be so much more meaningful when you begin to take that step towards discovering something new about yourself. Even though she was only one year younger than Zell, he treated her much respect as he would to his friends. She had been kind of insecure thinking age might make a difference to him, but she was glad she had been proved wrong. In short, being with Zell has tremendously changed her.

When Faeri asked Zell about his feelings about her, Zell would always smile and said lets leave time to tell our true destiny. She didn't understand at first and thought that he wouldn't want to return her feelings. She was almost heart broken when she heard that reply. She knew that she was being silly herself, and Zell's just saying that to ease her mind about it.

What right do I have to change his mind if Zell won't return her feelings back? She wondered aloud. Love, she knew, is a very delicate thread that is so.. fragile, because it will only bloom if both share that same delicate thread that will become a strong bond that would last century's worth of hardship. Faeri felt a small tear escaped in the corner of her left eye, when her thoughts shift to something that had happened just recently.

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It was the sweetest thing that could ever happened to her and it made her dizzy with excitement and joy when she was meeting with Zell on the hills near Balamb town. Lately, Zell has taken an interest with a bit of a reading when she kept on urging Zell to read interesting books that she would periodically recommend to him. She was pleasantly surprised at his sudden motivation in taking literature as his favorite reading topic, and that particular day was something that came as a shock to her when she found Zell sitting leisurely on a blanket spread open, wide enough to allow two person to sit on it comfortably on top of the hill facing a view that overlooked Balamb town to the open blue sea. He was looking rather nervous as though he has something to show to her but trying hard to hide it. She had to control herself sometimes as not to giggle too much as she would sometimes feel bad about it as though she was laughing at him. She didn't and never meant it that way; it's just that Zell was quite adorable and cute whenever he's in a state of nervousness when it comes to girls, and today was no exception. She approached him silently, hoping to surprise him when he's seemed to be dreaming miles away. Slowly, she came up behind him and put her hands in front of his eyes to cover them. As usual, Zell would play along with her games as it always amuses and make his heart go light whenever she's around.

When both of them had settled down on the blanket, sitting not quite close to each other but almost as though both of them would feel each other's hearts beating wildly against their ribs. Zell; who was trying hard to hide the fact that he's blushing furiously, broke the silence by pulling out a short piece of paper from a book that was lying on his lap. The book title read: The Life of a Pururun. She smiled lovingly knowing that was the first book Zell ever borrowed from the library. Her heart leaped another when Zell handed her the paper for her to read;

Crested up on the hill

Looking far and beyond

The wind whistles past

Carrying whispers of delicate poetry

The evening sun sets away

In hearts that would gently sway

If moments like this is for eternity

Finding you here next to me

Enough to soothe century's worth of misery

I will hold myself knowing

Only you could ever see me smiling

In this peace if…

"I, uh, was going to complete the poem before you were coming," Zell said quickly when he notices Faeri's slightly raised eyebrows. His feelings were poured a lot in that poem. He whistled nervously to pass time while Faeri was reading it.

He seemed a little bit more relaxed now, even though he's still being nervous at it, thought Faeri. A small giggle escaped from her. She can't help it when she sees Zell fidgets around.

"Hey, that's not fair Eri. I should complain to Squall or something," Zell said mock indignantly and continued on, "by starting up a new rule; that no students are allowed to giggle when they're in a conversation. Squall will definitely love that idea, maybe I sh-… Oww", Zell's sentence was cut abruptly when Faeri poked him at his sides. Now it was Faeri's turn to be serious.

"Oh, what about you then? We should even start a new rule by limiting the number of hot dogs you consume per day", Faeri said in a stern tone with her arms crossed.

"Hey.. I, uh.." Zell hangs his head in a defeated way. There was no way of winning against Faeri when in verbal jabs. Zell knows it because Faeri is an intelligent woman in her own class.

Faeri stifled another giggle when she saw Zell's defeated expression and mumbling something like 'no fair'. Seeing him like this made her heart go out to him.

"By the way, the poem is very well written Zell. I like it very much and thanks." Faeri admitted looking down still holding the paper in her hands. Now her face was turning pink when she read the last lines which reads;

In this peace if feelings we share

That is new and warm

Wishing what is true

When she finished reading the last sentence, her face was betraying her emotion in what she hoped was a controlled expression on her face. She was speechless. The poem was beautifully done and she wondered how he managed to write something as creative like this was beyond her.

"So, how is it? I was just passing time and I thought of writing one for.. you" the last word spoken was said slowly as Zell was blushing even more. He hoped that went alright. Heaven knows what he would do if it went otherwise.

"I.. don't know what to say. It's very nice. How did you-.." Zell raised his fingers to his lips while he held Faeri's right hands with his other hand.

Let's just, enjoy the view while the sun sets, okay?" Zell said softly while he moved closer to Faeri until their shoulders were touching side by side.

Faeri nodded weakly while letting her head fall on Zell's shoulders. She felt nervous, excited and love? Was she falling in love with this man? Whatever she's feeling now was purely happiness and joy beyond all that she had felt before this and she wouldn't want it to ever end. Sitting close to him was like having an electric current sweeping her from head to toe. The wind was blowing stronger now. Leaves and flower petals now were flying up freely up to the red sky that is now beginning to turn dark as the dying sun slowly settled down over the horizon. She shivered a little and felt Zell moved just a bit and she felt the blanket was now covering them together as Zell lifted it to cover their backs from the cold wind. They stayed there even as the sun had died and Faeri just didn't want it to end at all.

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Faeri opened her eyes again and she was back in Zell's room. She touched her cheeks where she felt dried tears had fallen from her eyes. It had been so real yet unreal when she looked up to see Zell; still in a coma, unconscious by what forces she has not be able to identify yet. The memory of that evening that seemed like an endless dream helped to strengthen her determination on helping Zell's friends in any way that she could to see her love up and well again. She turned her head sideways again when she felt another presence in the room, to find Quistis Trepe, was looking at her from the stairwell.

"I'm sorry Faeri, may I come in?" Quistis asked softly with an expression of sympathy. Weakly, Faeri moved slightly to face Quistis while still in a sitting position at the bedside.

"Why, of course Miss Trepe. I'm sorry for not being my presentable self"

"Shush, it's ok dear; today's been a long day for you, and you can drop all the formalities Faeri. Things have taken to an unpleasant turn." with that Quistis moved closer to the younger woman and settled herself on the floor next to the bedside where Zell is still in his mysterious slumber.

"I do not know what's happening to him Miss Trepe. I felt him near me, yet he seemed to be just out of reach. I want to help, but I just don't know how," Faeri wept slowly with her head bowed low. Quistis felt the young woman's pain. She herself felt that way when her love for Squall went unrequited. In a way it was similar to what she had felt because of the helplessness of the situation.

But no.. not this time. We will find a way. Quistis thought silently. Slowly she gathered Faeri in an embrace that was motherly enough that Faeri immediately broke into sobbing loudly again.

"Why him. Why does it have to be him?" tears fell as her heart poured out to Quistis who now gently caressing Faeri's hair to soothe her misery. Faeri's hair now fell out of its tied state and now flowing like a lake, frozen in time. Quistis allowed herself to shed some tears too, as she looked between the two lovers that now has been separated heart and soul. It pained her so much to see the young woman now sprawled on the floor with her head on the former woman's lap who was sobbing uncontrollably that Quistis was finding it hard to comfort Faeri in words.

"There now, my dear. Don't worry; the others will come in a short while. I've just sent word to a friend of mine to bring help as soon as possible."

Faeri's head turned upwards to see Quistis' face filled with sympathy and compassion for the young woman who now seemed brighter at hearing help was on its way.

"Really, they're coming here?"

"Of course dear, Zell is our friend. We won't let him die, and surely he doesn't want to miss your smiling face now, does he?" Quistis said playfully in hoping to cheer the younger woman.

At this, Faeri's face turn slightly pink but she just nodded in agreement. Quistis was about to say more but she was cut short when she heard the familiar rumbling sound of a spacecraft that was approaching the town. She looked up outside the window to see a fuzzy outline of the red dragon- shaped ship passed overhead. The windowpane rattled and she could hear the ship was making a wide turn to settle down just outside of town.

Goodness sake, I almost thought Selphie was going to land on top of us.

Quistis felt movement and finding Faeri in a sitting position while rubbing her eyes that is red with excessive crying and fatigue

"Was it the Ragnarok? That means they're here, right Quistis? But where are you going to bring Zell?" asked Faeri in a tired and concerned voice.

"That's right. I was thinking that we better bring Zell to Esthar city. There they might have the answers as to what really happened to Zell."

Faeri's eyes seemed to brighten up when she heard the mention of Esthar.

"We're going to Esthar? Really, Quistis?" asked Faeri excitedly. Now her voice is replaced with a happier tone.

Quistis raised an eyebrow. "You know someone there?"

"Not really. It's just that I've heard it was a city that is closed to outsiders and they're not too keen on letting anyone in their city."

Quistis nodded in agreement. "It's true that they closed themselves from outsiders, but it was Squall who opened them up a bit when he brought in Rinoa for help."

Faeri nodded in return. She heard about Commander Leonhart's exploits from her friends. It made half of her male classmates go green with envy as the Commander had seemed cold towards people did have a soft spot to be romantic. In turn, the incident nearly caused a wild commotion when some of the girls her age wanted to start a club like the 'Trepies' for those who idolizes Commander Leonhart, but it never really formed due to the fact that the Commander himself stepped in and declaring there was to be none of those while he is still around. That, of course made most of the people who originally idolized him were upset about it and their numbers dwindled to a few who still maintained their opinion that the Commander deserved an appreciation of a sort so instead of a club similar like the Trepies, they more or less being more discreet about it now which some of them could be seen snickering or whispering whenever Commander Leonhart is around.

Faeri's train of thoughts came to a halt when Quistis's comlink beeped in her pouch. Quistis took it out and confirming to those who is still on the Ragnarok about the situation at hand and in the middle of it Faeri heard the house's front door opened and a number of excited voices could be heard downstairs. The first to ascend up the stairs was Commander Leonhart himself in his normal black fur jacket outfit followed closely behind him was Rinoa Heartilly in her light blue dress. Quistis replaced her comlink back in her pouch and nodded to Squall as to affirm his presence and Squall's feature turned to concerned?, When he saw his friend and comrade- in- arms lying on the bedside motionless yet still breathing. Rinoa came to Squall's side and began to weep silently while clutching Squall's arms tightly. It was then Rinoa noticed the younger woman who was standing silently in a corner while the solemn exchange was taking place.

Rinoa released her hold of Squall and walked slowly towards Faeri with a softened expression of sympathy and sadness for woman who evidently, their friend's lover.

"You must be the librarian girl that Zell was telling us about, aren't you?" Rinoa asked gently with a tinkle of cheeriness in her voice whenever she spoke. But today's tragic incident shadowed any happy thoughts at the moment.

Faeri just nodded weakly as she felt if she opened her mouth again, she might break into another round of crying. Quickly, Rinoa began to regret when she mentioned Zell's name. She looked up to Squall for support, to see Squall smiling at her with his grey- blue eyes motioning her to talk to the girl while he's arranging for the necessary actions to be carried out. Rinoa nodded understandingly and wrapped her arms around Faeri to comfort her. Faeri accepted the embrace gratefully while she leant her head on Rinoa's shoulders. Time seemed to pause as the two women both felt the anguish of the situation. Rinoa, in her part felt that way when she was isolated from Squall and was about to be sealed away when she found out that she inherited the curse of becoming a Sorceress. Loneliness is a bleak perspective that none of them ever wanted it to happen.

Squall looked down upon Zell, who lies motionless except the slow rise and fall of his chest indicating that he's still breathing. He turned his head to the stairwell to see a team of medical professionals of four from Garden moved in efficiently with their equipment in containers they carried. He stood back to give the medics enough room for them to carry out their task. One took out a scanner and was adjusting the equipment and in turn began scanning Zell's unmoving body up and down. The person in charge was a woman with the name of Farrell.

Dr. Farrell Kishka is the newly appointed doctor and also a protégé of Dr. Kadowaki. Her position is a Field Medical Officer. The need for a medical officer that is battle- wise and also ready to be dispatched into the field was deemed to be crucial, in order to ensure SeeD's survival in combat. Yes, casualties in combats are to be expected, but to train a new SeeD would take a lot of time and effort and to lose them would mean unnecessary shortages of those combat specialists that would result catastrophic, not to mention, embarrassment in the event of one might call 'caught with pants down'.

As the medic team concluded their report in a summary where it was handed to Squall, they began unfolding a hover stretcher that were stored in one the big containers they brought in together with their equipment. They waited until Squall was satisfied with the written evaluation of the team and nodded his approval for the team to carry on with their task. Carefully, they lifted Zell's form onto the stretcher and rolled it out of the room leaving Squall, Rinoa, Quistis and Faeri who still clinging to Rinoa for support. Quistis excused herself to oversee the transfer onto the Ragnarok, while Squall just nodded in approval. Faeri was sobbing again in Rinoa's embrace. She couldn't bear the scene where they rolled Zell out of the room, seeing as though Zell has indeed passed away. Rinoa, noticed the look comforted Faeri quickly;

"Faeri, don't worry. We all love him as much as you do. We will do everything we can to make sure he's alright. Okay?" Rinoa looked up to Squall for support. Squall already feeling a bit uncomfortable with all the emotions that fills the air, just nodded and made a gesture as if to put his hand on Faeri's shoulder but stopped himself before doing so.

"Like Rinoa said, we will find out the cause of this. But first, I think you need to rest." Squall said when he noticed there were faint signs of fatigue that is evident under Faeri's eyes. He added "Why not, you come along with us to Esthar."

Faeri's eyes went wide at this. She didn't expect at all that Squall would let her follow their group. She would expect the order "Go back to Garden". But she couldn't bear the thought of being far from Zell at the moment either. Squall's sudden kindness managed to surprise her. It was indeed a pleasant one. Faeri turned to face Squall while holding her hands down in front of her and voiced her thanks. She turned behind to face Rinoa now to excuse herself to board the Ragnarok that is waiting outside of town.

When the bouncy footsteps of Faeri went downstairs, presumably to talk to Ma' Dincht about what is happening, Rinoa turned to Squall with legs bent and looking into Squall's eyes adoringly.

"That was very nice of you Squall, to let the girl accompany us to Esthar. I'm proud of you," with that she quickly planted a kiss on Squall's cheeks. Squall felt his face went several degrees hotter.

"Well, I wouldn't last a second in an argument with you if I said otherwise, don't I?"

"Tee- hee, that is very true. Well, shall we get a move along? We don't want to keep them waiting, you know," Rinoa said while lifted her arms in offer. Squall accepted it and began walking arms together down the stairs and to the sun outside. Apparently Quistis did a good job in dispersing the crowd that had gathered outside the house, because when he came earlier, there was a sizable crowd waiting as if the whole town had come down here to know about the happenings of the situation. The streets were quite normal now as people seemed to be continuing with their daily routines. But some of them throw glances at them in hoping to glean something out of the walking SeeD couple, especially if the SeeD in question is the commander himself. Squall just ignored them while looking forward with Rinoa at his side. The evening sky was turning to dusk as the street lights of Balamb Town began lighting up. They walked in silence until they were outside of the town.

The Ragnarok was truly a sight to behold and still captivated the attention who sees it most of the time. Its sleek red design with the shape of an ancient animal now lost in its own time was said that it gotten the name Ragnarok from the animal itself. The grounds were bright with the ship's landing lights turned on, showing visible shapes at the foot of the ship's ramp. As both of them draw closer, it shows the shapes to be Quistis who obviously told Selphie and Irvine of what has happened in detail. Selphie looked very crestfallen as she took the news and Irvine although he was equally sullen- looking he tried his best to comfort Selphie.

"You've got to get a hold of yourself Sephy, otherwise who's going to fly this ship?" Quistis asked Selphie as Squall and Rinoa were close enough to hear them talking.

On hearing those words, Selphie's face turned a little brighter. She always liked being praised with her ability to fly the Ragnarok. So far, the ships controls would only respond to her touch, as if the ship has a mind of its own. It's like the first time when she flown the ship back when Rinoa were being held up by the scientists of Esthar when they confirmed Rinoa to be the next Sorceress after Edea. The ships response had been somewhat alive and controlling it was a pleasure for her. That's why now she attained the newly designated rank of Chief Elite Pilot Ragnarok of Garden. Since only to her the ship would respond to, so it was natural for her to be selected as the only one. This, of course has created a slight confusion with Esthar's mechanics and technicians. Since the ship was designed for use by anybody and regarding with the ships realistic behavior by having special preference to which it responds to has puzzled them to no end. Selphie was not one to complain, naturally. Since only she has the privilege to fly the ship.

Selphie saw Squall drawing near with Rinoa at his side quickly gave a salute to the Commander while others follow suit.

"Chief Pilot reports, all crew members including medic team ready for departure sir!"

"Selphie," Rinoa said with mock horror look on her face. "You only need to do that when we're around outsiders"

"I know, I know. I just like doing it. That's all" Selphie said playfully while grinning.

Squall rolled his eyes and wanted to say the usual 'whatever' but was cut short with Rinoa nudged an elbow into Squall's ribs. He glared at Rinoa a little but quickly smiled amusingly when Rinoa returned his glare with hers.

"Anyway, did you guys see the Faeri girl?" asked Squall, after the brief intimate exchange.

"She already went up to see the team strapping Zell down in the cargo hold," replied Quistis who were busy consulting her datapad. "I've also taken the liberty to inform Esthar through Kiros that we're coming in with this unusual case, and they agreed to assist us in any way." Quistis concluded everything. Quistis has done a superb job in her duties lately. Squall was wondering whether the Headmaster would consider recommendations for her in the future. But that was best left for later, Squall thought.

"Wow Quisty, you've done all that by yourself?" Selphie asked in wonderment. Seeing Quistis working everything out efficiently apparently surprised everyone, even Irvine who was keeping quite even raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Alright, let's head to Esthar with best possible speed." Squall said shortly. They were catching up with time. Who knows, that this thing that caused Zell to be unconscious, is indeed fatal if they were to act too late.

Selphie saluted while bouncing on the balls of her feet quickly turn and went up the ramp, followed by Quistis and Rinoa. As Squall was about to board the ramp, he was stopped by Irvine with arms outstretched. Irvine signaled Squall to wait until everybody went into the ship until they were alone at the foot of the ramp.

"Squall, this is weird y'know. No possible reason as to why this has happened. Do you think the Sorceress business is involved?" Irvine asked. Squall raised an eyebrow at the mention of the Sorceress. He also had the same thought when they received the priority report from Selphie about Zell's mysterious condition. But he dismissed the idea as being absurd. They all witnessed and had caused the death of Ultimecia about a year ago. But things that were happening before has certainly made any weird happenings around the world to be given serious thought about it. Yes, I'll have to discuss this with the team later, he thought quietly.

"Hey man, if you have anything in your mind, share it. Coz I hate being left out of any important stuff y'know." Irvine said with a smile. He certainly needed to get around Squall's trust on his friends. So far, Squall's been quite open with his views and only being guarded about it unconsciously. Probably because, like they always say; Bad habits die hard.

Squall's brows were raised slightly when Irvine mentioned this.

"I'll tell you guys when we get to Esthar alright. Because right now, I need to get my attention on something else and looks like we're getting ready for lift- off," Squall spoke glaringly, while the whine of the spaceship engines begin to pitch higher indicating that they got to board the ship and raise the ramp for flight immediately. He didn't really liked being scrutinized by anyone and at this time is certainly not the right time to debate about it.

"Well okay, see you then" with that Irvine ended the conversation while tipping his hat towards Squall to head up on the bridge of the ship. He still has questions to ask Squall, but best leave it for later. Besides, getting on Squall's nerves now would not help, not at all. Now alone, Squall turned to face the panel and begin raising the ramp and sealing it.

When that done, the light on Selphie's controls lighted green for commencing the flight. She punched the controls for lift- up and raised the levers for a fast flight towards Esthar. Selphie looked at the co- pilot's seat to find Quistis sitting quietly while looking outside at the now increasingly blurry sight as they gained speed. Rinoa had joined Faeri in the passenger hold of the ship to make sure the poor girl is alright. Selphie broke the silence while asking;

"You think we would find answers when we reach Esthar, Quisty?"

Quistis reply was long enough to wait that nearly made Selphie repeat it again. Obviously, Quistis also was pondering on the matter deeply. She looked over at Selphie blankly.

"I'm not sure Sephy," with that she turned back to look outside the ship, with that ends any further questions to ask. Selphie hangs her head in exasperation. Everybody's feeling really down now, because of this mess, Selphie thought. She wanted to say something cheerful to lighten the mood, but she herself was feeling numb about it. The thought of anyone among her close friends to be harmed by someone was unthinkable. She's not a person to dwell on negative thoughts for long, so she brought her mind back into focus and concentrate on getting to Esthar as soon as possible. They would never let a friend die and they would not start now. Then she remembered Faeri, the young woman who came with the team of medics when they were bringing in Zell in a hover stretcher. She was at first, puzzled as to the young woman who came in, and then she recognized her as the pig- tail haired girl whom Zell has shyly told them about. Selphie wanted to cry her heart out when she saw Zell lying motionless on the bed which the medics had strapped him aboard the ship, but seeing Faeri in her miserable state made it clear to Selphie that the younger woman must've suffered more emotionally and Selphie fought hard not to collapse in front of Faeri making her more miserable than ever. So she did what she does best, by cheering up Faeri as she would normally do whenever she was around people who are down and sad. That had helped as Faeri did cheer up a little to show a smile which Selphie thought was really cute.

Well, at least not all is depressed now, Selphie thought. But she had the foreboding feeling that everybody need those happy thoughts a whole lot more in the future. The stars are covered tonight, as if to reflect tonight's already shadowed mood. In the distant, thunder and lightning were flashing to signal an oncoming storm that is coming soon enough, as would the current situation, she thought darkly. Her thoughts were interrupted as her console beeped at her to indicate that they were nearing Esthar's airspace and she have to make contact with them for landing instructions.

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Hehe.. so.. how do you guys like it..?? I made the poem myself.. *smiles to myself* I love writing them.. it's fun..